GOP-backed bill on sex ed headed for Assembly vote

MADISON (AP)  -- A contentious Republican-backed proposal that would stress abstinence education over contraception use is headed for a vote in the Wisconsin state Assembly.

The Wisconsin State Assembly's education committee passed the bill Wednesday on a party line vote. It would rewrite a Democratic-backed law enacted two years ago that requires Wisconsin schools to offer a multi-faceted curriculum that also teaches about contraception.

Several Democrats expressed disappointment in the proposal. But Republicans defended its emphasis on local communities' choice for how to teach sex education.

The Wisconsin State Senate passed the bill last year amid vocal opposition from several public health groups. Anti-abortion groups support the legislation.

The bill could come up for a vote in the Republican-controlled Assembly as early as next week.